A Shared Vision: Conscious Fashion, Creative Futures

Runway 1: Next Gen Runway Ignites the Stage at QAFF

On the evening of 3 May 2025, the Gold Coast was transformed into a fashion sanctuary as Runway 1: Next Gen Runway marked the grand opening of the Queensland Arts & Fashion Festival at Robina Auditorium. Produced by QAFF and Directed by Rise to the Runway, this unforgettable event brought together emerging designers, industry insiders, and a community passionate about fashion with purpose.

The runway itself was a visual experience — a cross-shaped catwalk surrounded by lush greenery, including natural grass, potted plants, and botanical installations. The set design mirrored the values at the heart of the event: growth, sustainability, and rooted creativity. The result was an immersive space where nature and fashion walked hand-in-hand.

Runway 1 wasn’t just a show. It was a statement. A celebration of the next generation of designers who aren't only redefining style — but doing so with a conscience. With a vibrant mix of live drummers between each showcase and a celebratory afterparty to close the night, the energy in the room never dipped. This was fashion done differently — and deliberately.

Each designer who took to the runway brought more than just a collection — they brought a point of view. These creatives are part of a new wave shaping the industry from the ground up: blending heritage with innovation, aesthetic with intention, and trend with timelessness. Whether drawing from cultural roots, experimenting with structure, or championing sustainable practices, every look told a story. Together, they didn’t just walk the runway — they redefined what it means to belong on it.

In Frame: Mel Fashion Journey - RMIT Graduate

This runway was more than a platform — it was a mirror of what fashion can be when values and vision align. Runway 1 shared the same ethos as Rise to the Runway, whose Director has long championed sustainability, representation, and professional development for emerging talent. That synergy was felt in every moment — from the styling to the structure of the show. 

With QAFF leading production, the show didn’t just highlight who's next — it celebrated the future of fashion as inclusive, intentional, and incredibly inspiring. If this runway was any indication, the future is not just in good hands — it’s in bold, brilliant ones.

Video by Bruno Pretto -BRNOFILM

Clarity by Brooke opened the evening with a soft, romantic touch. Her floral collection moved with grace, echoing poetry in motion through its delicate silhouettes and feminine energy. Intentional and grounded in slow fashion, her pieces set the tone for a night that celebrated not just aesthetics, but values. Following her, Esva x Bella unveiled a striking collaboration that fused denim, leather, and lace with powerful nods to Filipino heritage. Their work was a bold intersection of culture and craftsmanship, where storytelling met sustainable design. Vanshika Bhatnagar brought contrast and edge, delivering a collection that danced between ethereal and architectural. Her garments challenged norms, embraced form, and reflected a modern femininity shaped by innovation and thoughtful production.

Continuing the momentum, Lucy Bullock splashed the runway with vivid greens and blues, pairing structured corset tops with dramatic A-line skirts. Her designs radiated confidence and youthful energy, supported by smart, sustainable fabric choices. Fluid offered a refreshing stillness — a collection of silken garments that flowed effortlessly, bringing timeless design to the forefront through ethical production and refined craftsmanship. Riley Colquist took a sculptural turn, presenting wool-based looks with artistic structure. His collection felt like wearable architecture, grounded in both material integrity and creative exploration.

Closing the showcase were designers who pushed playful, futuristic, and nostalgic boundaries. Avathletica brought a spirited streetwear collection that balanced functionality with flair, using reworked silhouettes and repurposed materials. Mel Fashion Journey transported the audience to another realm with her bioluminescent-inspired pieces — glowing, imaginative, and rooted in sustainable construction. Esher Rae followed with soft, youthful pieces in airy colours and feminine cuts that spoke to longevity and joy in everyday wear. Lester revived retro silhouettes with a modern hand, embracing vintage charm through responsibly sourced fabrics and timeless tailoring. Finally, Montgomery & Co. closed the night with sleek minimalism — a masterclass in quiet power, clean lines, and sophisticated restraint, all underpinned by a clear commitment to ethical production.

In Frame: Colq.uist - QUT Graduate

The Models Who Brought the Vision to Life

Behind every garment that graced the runway was a model who gave it movement, presence, and power. The Next Gen Runway was not just a celebration of design, but also of the talent and versatility of the models who embodied each creative vision with confidence and grace.

From fierce walks to subtle storytelling through pose and posture, these models elevated the experience and brought emotion to the fabric. Whether showcasing sculptural silhouettes or soft flowing silks, they carried each piece with a deep understanding of its message — making them integral to the impact of the evening.

The runway featured an extraordinary cast of emerging talent, including: Aajah Tam, Ashayla Mitchell, Arianne Endrizzi, Aurora Marskell, Ava Shepherd, Bianca Havrla, Chloe Hawkes, Claudia Jade Doxford, Dasha Vinokur, Hayley-James Lindholm, Ish Gundani, Jane Shao, Jessica Lane, Kyara Iglesias, Leonise Mangilit, Lillian Clugston, Madison Gawne, Melanie Canosa, Monique Sidoti, Montana Arnold, Natasha Mat, Parnia Pearsal, Rhiannon Walters, Rosa Jafari, Silvia De Carvalho, Stef Di Maria, and Zavanna Walker.

The male lineup brought strength and poise to the runway, featuring standout performances by Akbar Foladi, Attila Bencsik, and Justin O’Mara.

Together, this exceptional group of models helped define the mood, elevate the garments, and set the tone for a new era in fashion — one where diversity, individuality, and expression are not just welcomed but celebrated.

In Frame: Viv Design Journal - RMIT Graduate

All images by Lucid Dreams Imagery